Adolescence is a stage of human development, composed of multiple changes
significant both physically and emotionally.

Here I include some common changes in its development.

1. Cognitive changes: The adolescent begins to demonstrate thoughts
more abstract and logical. He is capable of developing his own opinions of his environment and of himself.

2. Emotional change: Here the hormones take control making your mood very, very
variable. For example, from showing a “normal” mood to appearing more irritable or impulsive in their reactions and behavior.

3. Physical Changes: puberty announces its arrival. Some teenagers
They perceive this period as an uncertain one. Not being very clear about the changes that
present your body can cause insecurity or changes in your self-esteem.

4. Social changes: The adolescent will prefer the company of his friends instead of that of adults. Some adolescents begin to worry more about how others perceive them, and how to integrate with different social groups at school or in their community.

5. Who am I? I always explain to the parents of my patients that adolescence is the stage of assimilating the beliefs, norms, values ​​that they learned during their first stages of life and comparing them with the values, beliefs, and norms that they observe in their environment; colleagues, social networks,
etc

It is this stage in which they try to choose elements from both sides to create their
own identity. Some changes observed at this stage are the definition
of their gender identity, sexual preference and positions on aspects
such as faith and politics.
These are just some of the common changes in adolescents, but not
They are the only ones.

Let's remember every teenager is unique and every change can
present differently in each adolescent.

How do I know that my son or daughter would benefit from visiting a specialist?

It is important to understand that not all the changes that a teenager presents are
alarm signal. It is recommended that each parent or caregiver be properly educated
about the changes that occur during adolescence. Changes are possible
observed are typical changes that he experienced during his adolescence and
not a problem that requires professional help. However, it is recommended
Continue to offer your teen the support and understanding he or she needs during
each change process and monitor any signals that require intervention.

  • Some reasons to turn to a specialist are:
    Recurrent anxiety symptoms and excessive academic stress that affect
    adolescent functioning at home, school and community
  • Self-esteem and self-image problems: Adolescence is the stage of
    comparisons, and of being highly vulnerable to the behaviors of others
  • Depression and prolonged sadness: Depression and prolonged sadness are warning signs for which psychological therapy should be sought. Recurrent symptoms such as recurrent crying,
    lack of motivation, isolating yourself from others, feeling hopeless, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, and loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy are some symptoms that should be evaluated to confirm the presence of any that require clinical and psychological intervention.
  • Family and social difficulties. Family conflicts and problems
    Social issues are another common source of stress for teens. Just as the
    problems with friends or romantic relationships. Conflicts can cause
    anxiety, depression or cause isolation.
  • The manifestation of symptoms associated with the adolescent's exposure to a traumatic event is sufficient reason to receive psychological therapy. Finally, if an adolescent displays recurrent changes in mood followed by self-destructive behaviors that suggest the adolescent's safety is at risk, he or she should seek immediate medical attention for appropriate evaluation and/or the nearest emergency room.

As a parent or caregiver, follow your instincts and don't hesitate to go to sources of advice.
reliable information to help you confirm the possibility of a
problem requires early intervention. Identifying a problem early and offering the necessary support can drastically reduce the development of complications in physical, emotional and psychological well-being during adulthood.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office and
We will gladly give you the necessary tools to make the decision
that best benefits the well-being of your adolescent and family.